MANCHESTER, NH –A city man was arrested July 30, charged by police with threatening to kill his neighbors with a rifle.
Patrol units responded to 259 Spruce St. on July 30 at 8:30 p.m. for a report of a man threatening people with a rifle. Upon arrival, they spoke with the victims: A 29-year old woman and a 34-year old man. Also, a 9-month-old infant was present during the alleged incident.
The woman told police she and her boyfriend were seated on the porch with their infant daughter when their next door neighbor, John “Jay” Yanovitch, 42, of 263 Spruce St., walked on to his own porch and racked the chamber of a long rifle. It is unknown if the weapon was loaded at the time of the incident.
The couple claimed Yanovitch made comments to them about the sound the rifle made and then stated he was going to kill them. He allegedly pointed the gun at the three individuals while claiming he was going to kill them before heading back into his apartment.
Yanovitch was in and out of his residence by the time police arrived on scene. Officer Casey Finn arrived and shined a light on Yanovitch as he stood on his porch. Yanovitch immediately retreated into his apartment and refused to come out. Additional patrol officers set up a perimeter around the home, while Officer Chad Tennis made contact with Yanovitch from the PA system of a police vehicle.
Yanovitch remained inside of his apartment for approximately 30 minutes, but finally heeded officers request, and exited the apartment. He was taken into custody and charged with three counts criminal threatening (felony) and was released on $7,500 cash/surety bail. He is scheduled to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on September 7, 2016.
